Google Stadia is now free in all available regions, available to those who have a Gmail account.
The free tier — in whch users can sign up using their Gmail address here — will provide access to 1080p/60FPS streaming with stereo surround sound (providing your internet connection can handle it). Moreover, those who sign up will also get a free two-month trial of Stadia Pro; you’ll need to opt out before that time is up or be dinged with a $9.99 USD/month subscription otherwise.
Currently, Stadia Pro provides free access to the following titles:
- Destiny 2: The Collection
- GRID
- Gylt
- SteamWorld Dig 2
- SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech
- Serious Sam Collection
- Spitlings
- Stacks on Stacks (on Stacks)
- Thumper
While Stadia Pro normally allows for 4K streaming, Google advised it will be limiting connections to 1080p as a result of demand due to the coronavirus crisis.
“To reduce load on the internet further, we’re working toward a temporary feature that changes the default screen resolution from 4k to 1080p,” VP and GM of Stadia Phil Harrison advised.
“With increased demand due to more people at home during this time, we’re taking a responsible approach to internet traffic… The vast majority of people on a desktop or laptop won’t notice a significant drop in gameplay quality, but you can choose your data usage options in the Stadia app.”
Stadia is currently available in U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
What do you make of today’s news? Something nice from Google in the face of the coronavirus, or a sign that Stadia is failing?
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